If you don’t have a Solid State Disk (SSD) in your computer or laptop these days, you’re working with the handbrake on. Because the small turbo memory brings a speed to our screen that inspires.
Compared to a conventional HDD hard disk (Hard Disk Drive), SSDs score with shorter boot times, lightning-fast start of all applications and hardly noticeable loading times for PC games. Ready to upgrade? TECHBOOK presents the best internal SSDs with storage capacities from 256 GB to 2 TB.
What is the difference between SSDs and traditional hard drives (HDDs)?
SSDs and HDDs are fundamentally different in terms of their technology: While read and write heads move in an HDD as soon as files are accessed, an SSD works with the help of memory cells that are read out. Hence the name: there are no moving parts in an SSD, which is why it is called a “solid state” drive. This shortens the access times to data on SSDs enormously – both when reading and when writing. In addition, SSDs make no noise, are more energy-efficient, lighter and more shock-resistant than HDDs. Switching is therefore worthwhile for a number of reasons.
Also Read: 6 Best External Hard Drives for Data Backup
What should you look out for when buying an internal SSD?
SSD is not just SSD. Four things are particularly important when buying a new device: capacity, read and write performance, form factor and connection type.
capacity
Which capacity is the right one? It all depends on how you use the computer. For those who only have their operating system and simple programs such as MS Office installed on the computer, a 256 GB SSD is completely sufficient. If you want to save pictures and videos on the PC, it should definitely be 500 GB or, in the best case, more storage capacity. For all other users, 1 TB and upwards makes sense.
read and write speed
If you want to use your SSD for computer games or video editing, you should look for a hard drive with high reading performance when buying a new one. An SSD with high write performance is recommended for anyone who often copies large amounts of data onto their hard drive, such as photographers.
form factor
SSDs are available in either 2.5-inch or M.2 format. The 2.5-inch size corresponds to conventional laptop hard drives and is particularly suitable when there is no slot for an M.2 SSD. 2.5-inch SSDs come standard with the SATA connector, while M.2 models can have both SATA and the faster NVMe connector.
connection type
2.5-inch SSDs with a SATA connection are primarily suitable for desktop PCs, but also for laptops that still have a corresponding slot. However, modern laptops often only offer space for the more compact M.2 SSD. M.2 slots are also increasingly being installed directly on the mainboard in desktop PCs.
A bit confusing is the fact that M.2 SSDs can have both a SATA and an NVMe connector. M.2 models with a SATA connection have a different, more compact form factor than conventional 2.5-inch SSDs. However, the transfer rate is identical due to the same SATA connection. M.2 SSDs with an NVMe connection are significantly faster. These SSDs have a faster connection to the processor thanks to the PCI Express interfaces on the mainboard
You can find out more about SSD here: What is the difference between HDD and SSD storage?
The entry-level model: Transcend SSD230S 256 GB
Fast and inexpensive: The Transcend SSD230S can score with its speed. It owes this to the so-called 3D NAND memory technology that is used here. The memory cells are stacked vertically on this entry-level SSD – for even more performance and endurance. A high-quality cache and advanced firmware algorithms also boost performance and ensure high reliability. You have to make compromises when it comes to storage capacity: this is rather small at 256 GB.
Features of the Transcend SSD230S
| product type | SSD |
| read transfer rate | 530MB/s |
| write transfer rate | 400MB/s |
| capacity | 256GB |
| design type | Internal |
| interface | SATA |
| form factor | 2.5 inches |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Transcend SSD230S
- + Relatively short response time
- + Convincing price
- + Housing made of high-quality metal
- + 5 year guarantee
- + Free cloning software
cons
- – Gets hot relatively quickly
The cheap ones: Kingston KC600 256 GB
The king of affordable SSDs: The Kingston KC600 with a storage capacity of 256 GB is the perfect upgrade for anyone who wants more speed – when starting, loading and transferring – at a small price. It supports all important security functions and efficient data storage. The hard drive is available individually or in a handy upgrade bundle kit that includes everything you need for a hassle-free installation.
Features of the Kingston KC600
| product type | SSD |
| read transfer rate | 550MB/s |
| write transfer rate | 500MB/s |
| capacity | 256GB |
| design type | Internal |
| interface | SATA |
| form factor | 2.5 inches |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Kingston KC600
- + 5 year guarantee
- + Powerful
- + Free phone support
cons
- – No migration support whatsoever
The good middle class: HP S700 500 GB
HP’s vision is to create technology that makes life easier. The HP S700 proves that the company lives up to this vision. The fast and cheap internal SSD is characterized by its high reading speed and maximum reliability. With its capacity of 500 GB, it can serve a medium-sized storage space. Its only weakness: Compared to other models, the mid-range SSD proves to be quite power-hungry.
Properties of the HP S700
| product type | SSD |
| read transfer rate | 564MB/s |
| write transfer rate | 518MB/s |
| capacity | 500GB |
| design type | Internal |
| interface | SATA |
| form factor | 2.5 inches |
Advantages and disadvantages of the HP S700
- + Relatively inexpensive
- + High reading speed
- + Free phone support
cons
- – No energy saving mode
The energy efficient one: Crucial MX500 500 GB
Starts any operating system in seconds: The comparatively inexpensive Crucial MX500 with its storage capacity of 500 GB is built on speed, quality and security. It proves this with excellent data rates when reading and writing. The mid-range SSD also scores with its energy efficiency: it consumes up to 45 times less power than a conventional hard drive. In addition, Crucial offers a five-year warranty.
Features of the Crucial MX500
| product type | SSD |
| read transfer rate | 560MB/s |
| write transfer rate | 510MB/s |
| capacity | 500GB |
| design type | Internal |
| interface | SATA |
| form factor | 2.5 inches |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Crucial MX500
- + Strong performance
- + Particularly energy efficient
- + 5 year guarantee
The traditional: SanDisk SSD Plus 1 TB
SanDisk has been developing SSDs since 1991. Decades of experience are also reflected in the powerful SanDisk SSD Plus with its storage capacity of 1 TB. It not only impresses with its speed, but also with its reliability. Another strength of the hard drive is its immunity to shock and vibration, shock and vibration. Also noteworthy is the energy efficiency of the internal SSD, which ensures significantly more endurance and battery life, especially in laptops.
Properties of the SanDisk SSD Plus
| product type | SSD |
| read transfer rate | 535MB/s |
| write transfer rate | 450MB/s |
| capacity | 1TB |
| design type | Internal |
| interface | SATA |
| form factor | 2.5 inches |
Advantages and disadvantages of the SanDisk SSD Plus
Per
- + Relatively fast
- + Relatively quiet
- + Power saving
- + 3 year guarantee
- – Data cable not included
The leader: Western Digital Black SN850 1 TB
Fast, faster, Western Digital Black SN850 M.2! This top-class SSD with 1 TB storage capacity is a real revolution: with its 7000 MB/s read speed, it is the fastest SSD hard drive currently on the market. The internal SSD has long since not only made gamers’ hearts beat faster: it has also made it onto the winner’s podium as a test winner many times for its other qualities. Its strengths also include low latencies, the fourth-generation PCI Express connection and short boot and loading times.
Features of the Western Digital Black SN850
| product type | SSD |
| read transfer rate | 7000MB/s |
| write transfer rate | 5300MB/s |
| capacity | 1TB |
| design type | Internal |
| interface | NMVe |
| form factor | M.2 |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Western Digital Black SN850
Per
- + Currently the fastest SSD on the market
- + Very high writing and reading speed
- + 5 year guarantee
The professional SSD: Samsung 970 Evo Plus 2 TB
The chewing gum stick-sized Samsung 970 Evo Plus with 2 TB storage capacity takes speed and performance to a whole new level. The secret of their high read and write transfer rates as well as their program acceleration lies in their even more numerous and closely spaced memory cells, which shorten the switching paths and thus increase the speed enormously. It is also characterized by smart drive management, which always keeps an eye on the professional SSD and thus not only optimizes performance, but also keeps it stable.
Features of the Samsung 970 Evo Plus
| product type | SSD |
| read transfer rate | 3500MB/s |
| write transfer rate | 3300MB/s |
| capacity | 2TB |
| design type | Internal |
| interface | NMVe |
| form factor | M.2 |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Samsung 970 Evo Plus
Per
- + High and constant transfer rate
- + Reliable
- + 5 year guarantee
Conclusion: Internal SSD storage
SSDs not only open up a whole new world for gamers: they boot up our computer within seconds. Loading times of programs are hardly noticeable – and there are no upper limits: Modern upper class SSDs still charge a lot, but also have unexpected performance and speeds that meet the highest demands. For those on a tight budget, cheaper models or those with less storage capacity take computers to a new level of performance and energy efficiency. These are often completely sufficient for everyday use of a PC, but make a difference that you notice with every click. In short: switching or upgrading to SSD is worthwhile for everyone – from MS Office users to hobby gamers to professional graphic designers.